Hapoel Be'er Sheva Battles for Historic Champions League Qualification in Baku

Hapoel Be'er Sheva faces a crucial match on Tuesday evening as they travel to Baku, Azerbaijan, to play the decisive second leg of the UEFA Champions League playoff round against local double champions Sabah FC. The Israeli team, coached by Ran Kozuch, holds a narrow 2-1 advantage from last week's first leg in Romania, with goals scored by Javon East and Igor Zlatanovic. A draw or a win over the two legs will secure Hapoel Be'er Sheva a historic spot in the Champions League group stage.

Sabah FC aims to overturn the deficit by leveraging their home advantage at the Tofig Bahramov Stadium. Meanwhile, hundreds of Hapoel Be'er Sheva fans who traveled to Baku held a celebratory march through the city streets. Back in Be'er Sheva, the municipality set up a large public viewing area with a giant screen in the KKL pedestrian mall of the Old City, attracting thousands of supporters eager to encourage the team remotely.

Coach Ran Kozuch expressed optimism ahead of the match, stating, "What we have achieved so far is an accomplishment, and we will try to achieve an even greater one." The outcome of this match could mark one of the most significant moments in the club's history.